Labyrinthine Oceans are back in glorious technicolour,
ready to delve into the depths of post technological doom in a hauntingly
beautiful manner. Armed with brand new
EP for the flesh and for the machine, released just last week on the 6th
of May, the North East grunge-gaze four piece have been making waves across the
country.
Their 2025 EP everyone was alive had people singing
their praises far and wide, with NARC magazine describing the EP as “grungy but
heavenly soundscape”. The anticipation for new material was immense, and the
call was answered. While retaining their heavenly grunge flair, throughout the
EP, grander, more dramatic tendencies shine through, reflecting the immense subject matter they’re dealing with – the fear
of what’s to come in an algorithmic age.
Not a band to slow
down, the day following the EP release Labyrinthine Oceans kicked off their UK
tour in Sheffield, playing the Arundel Emporium with support acts Your Personal
Vendetta, 54KG and Stained Glass. In a moment of spontaneity, we decided to
check it out – I had been listening to the EP all day and relished the
opportunity to see some live music on a Friday for under a tenner.
Having shared one can of Cruzcampo between the three of us
on the walk into town, I felt sufficiently prepared angry alt grunge shoegaze
glory, but maybe not for the venue. A little room in an independent arts
market, with (thank the good lord) a little bar built into the back, it marked
the first venue I had visited in Sheffield and will hold a special place in my
heart forevermore.
A truly intriguing set of opening acts kicked off the
evening. From Your Personal Vendetta’s bowler hat juggling clown and killer
metal vocalist, to 54KG and their louche metal-grunge attitude, to Stained
Glass and their Soft Play/Nine Inch Nails vibe, I was hooked and entertained by
the time ten o’clock came around. With a swift transition, Labyrinthine Oceans
were set up and on stage as if they had been there all along, as if it was where
they belonged.
Bursting into a fan favourite “pinch” from last year’s EP, I
had the great privilege to watch my friends slowly immerse themselves in the
music. With this being their first Labyrinthine Oceans gig, and it being my
second, I relished the secret knowledge that I possessed – these guys are
really fucking good at a live show.
Striking a balance between new material and old, the gig ebbed
and flowed in just the right fashion, highlighting a level of showmanship that will
carry them far. Having not seen new
bassist Laila Riley perform live with the band, I was astounded at the
incredible flair she brought to every song, including the most gorgeous cover
of Jeff Buckley’s “Grace” I think I have ever heard.
Rounding off the set with the title track of the new EP and
a jaw-dropping cover of an old favourite “When the Sun Hits”, Labyrinthine
Oceans incredible passion and creativity shone through in every moment - something
I think bodes well for the rest of the tour.
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